Assessment Instruments for Identification of Young Children with Behavioral Disabilities.

Rosberg, Merilee A.

This paper is a discussion of the assessment instruments available for identification of young children with behavioral disorders. Behavioral disorders are defined and the problems encountered in the identification of such disorders among preschool aged children are discussed. A selection of assessment instruments including nine different developmental inventories, eight formal tests, and eight rating scales are examined. The use of both formal and informal observation and structured and unstructured interview techniques are presented. This paper concludes with a discussion of current practices in the utilization of assessment instruments in East-Central Iowa and recommendations for future utilization. Copies of the observation checklist and preschool parent interview forms used at Jane Boyd Community House, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, are appended. (Author/PN)